Knesset approves bill to force-feed hunger strikers

The Knesset approved for the first reading a landmark bill Monday which would allow prison authorities to force-feed hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners, sparking fury from several MKs.  The government bill seeks to authorize the Commissioner of Prisons to petition the District Court to obtain a permit for medical treatment of hunger-striking prisoners.

A demonstration in Nablus in solidarity with hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners, May 25 2014 (Photo: Activestills)

A demonstration in Nablus in solidarity with hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners, May 25 2014 (Photo: Activestills)

After the vote on the law, MK Afo Agbarie (Hadash), a MD, said that the bill is a patently undemocratic move. “If the government was worried about the life of the prisoners, it would release them or put them on trial,” he continued. “The government brought this bill to avoid responsibility.” Hadash MK Dov Khenin agreed. “Shame on Netanyahu for importing a model based on Guantanamo Bay prison,” he said. According to MK Khenin the law is despicable and inhuman.

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